One of sports radio’s top executives is signing off. iHeartMedia Executive Vice President of Sports, SVP of AM 570 KLAC-AM, and longtime FOX Sports Radio SVP of Programming Don Martin is departing the iHeartMedia Los Angeles cluster. Martin will relinquish his role as EVP of iHeartMedia Sports, and SVP of AM-570 KLAC. He’s expected to remain involved near term with Premiere Networks and Fox Sports Radio. His wife, Robin Bertolucci, who has led KFI in Los Angeles to record performance is also exiting.
Martin has spent over two decades at Fox Sports Radio, and has been a champion of the sports format. He enjoyed success with FSR during the Jim Rome years, Jay Mohr’s run, and after it as well. Alongside Julie Talbott, he helped the network regain its power and influence, attracting Colin Cowherd, Dan Patrick, Doug Gottlieb, Clay Travis, and Rob Parker to come aboard. Martin also hired programming executive Scott Shapiro, who has played a key role in helping move the brand forward.
With Martin leading the charge, FSR and its shows have been consistently recognized by industry executives in Barrett Media’s Top 20 in sports radio as the best in the business. His departure comes after his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers brought home another World Series championship. AM 570, KLAC-AM, another brand which Martin managed, which featured the popular team of Petros & Money, has served as the team’s rightsholder since 2011. The station has seen significant revenue and ratings improvement since aligning with the Dodgers. Martin was involved in that deal, and also oversaw the merger of AM 690/1150. He also was responsible for moving XTRA Sports 690/1150 to 570.
In an internal memo, Martin told his staff that he’s had a great ride, and is looking forward to continuing his journey with Julie Talbott and the FSR Family. “We’ve seen a lot, we’ve done a lot, and we’ve won more than our share,” said Martin. “I want to send each one of you a heartfelt hug and huge THANK YOU for changing my life, all for the better.”
Martin said he still has fire in his belly, and won’t be a stranger. He praised the team for going out as champions after KLAC earned #1 billing status for the month of October, calling them the GREATEST FAMILY ever assembled.
Prior to moving to Los Angeles, Martin served as Program Director of 850 KOA in Denver. He elevated his career in the Mile High city from 1996-2003. The NAB named KOA “Station of the Year” five years in a row during his tenure.
Martin’s infectious personality, people skills, and programming acumen creates an immediate hole inside the iHeart Los Angeles cluster. iHeartMedia Los Angeles President Paul Corvino, and Kevin LeGrett, President of iHeartMedia Sports will be tasked with managing the transition. Scott Shapiro, Senior Vice President of Premiere Networks and Fox Sports Radio, and Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott will continue working with Martin on Fox Sports Radio business.
Attempts to reach Martin for comment were unsuccessful. His decision comes in the wake of recent nationwide layoffs across the company.
On behalf of Barrett Media, I congratulate Don on a spectacular career. I’ve appreciated his friendship and support throughout the years, and look forward to the next ‘My Brother’ when we connect.
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Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
